The September ABI score was 50.4, up from a reading of 48.2 the previous month. It’s good news because any score above 50 shows an increase in billings. The new projects inquiry index also rose from 54.6 to 62.3, which is the highest level since July 2007.

The ABI is a leading economic indicator, reflecting the 9- to 12-month gap between design services and the start of construction.

“This is certainly encouraging news, but we will need to see consistent improvement over the next few months in order to feel comfortable about the state of the design and construction industry,” said Kermit Baker, AIA chief economist, in a prepared release. “While there has been increasing demand for design services, it is happening at a slow rate and there continue to be other obstacles that are preventing a more accelerated recovery. Still, the strong upturn in design activity in the commercial and industrial sector certainly suggests that this upturn can possibly be sustained.”